Mark A. Real, 65, died October 7 at home in Cambridge, WI.

Born and raised in Rockford, IL — the traditional home of the U.S. fastener industry — he had a 31-year career as an automotive fasteners machinist, working for Elco Industries, Rocknel Fastener, and ITW Shakeproof Automative before retiring in 2010. 

Among family and friends, he was known as “The Turkey Man”  for his deep-fried turkeys served at many local bars.

He is survived by his wife Sherry Real; two children, nieces and nephews.